Cannot decide 325i or IS350.

bmwbenz0101 · 10-29-2005, 01:33 PM

Ok so my family is into cars a lot. My mother has a range rover and my father is getting an Aston V8 Vantage and we also have a benz so don't flame about me getting a nice car...I want an honest opinion.

Heres the situation...I'm getting my first car for my birthday and right now my father has basically let me know that I will either be getting a 325i BMW almost loaded or an IS350 loaded. The reason I am not getting the 330i is because its a lot more expensive than the 325i but does not offer much more but the IS350 is way ahead of the IS250. I care about the driving experience a lot , but I'm only going to be 16 so looks and safety matter A LOT.I really want the BMW 325i coupe but its not an option because I need a car and it won't be out by Spring next year, so I know if I get the BMW 325i i will regret it because the coupe will be so hot. The IS350 looks better in my opinion but the BMW brand name, and the interior is just so much sportier. When I think of Lexus i think of old rich people lol. But BMW is youthful and when someone says BMW its a lot more prestigious than Lexus. Also how will an IS350 drive compared to a 325i. I know the 330i outperforms the IS350 but does the 325i? Basically if you were 16 and had a choice what would you chose a 325i or an IS350. Tell me what you think, and please no flaming about spoiledness because I'm just trying to get some help and not be yelled at here..cuz this forum is awsome and I like reading here even though I never post..lol..

Thanks for your replies in advanced.

CPTHALL · 10-29-2005, 01:50 PM

I was also in the same boat. I have a MB C320 and a 2002 325CI. I wanted another four door car since wifey is 6 months pregnant. I LOVE BMWs but just wanted to see if it was truly the best deal for me . I test drove a IS350 before placing my 330i order. Loved the IS350 Nav, power stering adjustment, and speed but that was it. The car was very bland and beside stoplight racing nothing else was there for me. I felt very disconnected. Also, the car was VERY plasticy inside. For the money, and I research evrything for months, The BMW is truly the best deal.

BMW Enthusiast · 10-29-2005, 01:53 PM

If I were 16 I would buy the 325i. But that is because I like to drive instead of be driven. I think the Lexus is nice but in the end the BMW is more of a drivers car. The IS350 has over 300hp so it will be difinately be faster in a straight line, but the BMW loves to eat up corners and is still a fairly quick vehicle. You need to drive both to decide, but if your concerned with prestige then by the BMW.

CPTHALL · 10-29-2005, 02:01 PM

I drove both and the lexus just did not thrill me. For 42000 it felt cheap except for the Nav.

Oz · 10-29-2005, 02:03 PM

I would say go with BMW because It would suit your age better

But if you are going to get a loaded 325, why not think about a stock 330i then add upon few things like sports or nav?

theclay · 10-29-2005, 02:09 PM

The IS350 costs as much as the BMW330. Make your dad buy you a 330. They cost the same so what's the big deal? Besides, your dad is rich, I mean he drives an Aston Martin.

bmwbenz0101 · 10-29-2005, 04:27 PM

Just because I can afford these cars does not mean money is not an issue. Thanks for the replies. By what all of you are saying it seems as though the BMW is the better choice. Thats what I want but ever once in a while, i just look at the lexus and I'm like damn that is sexy. So i dunno...I like the interior of the BMW so much better, but the exterior of the Lexus is sleeker. I feel like I should take the Lexus though because its much faster than the 325i, but is the 325i that much of a better handling car. I want a car that I will enjoy driving. I also have the option of my fathers 2 yo clk500 which is s beautiful car, but I would rather something more youthful. Plus I really want my own car instead of my fathers. What do you think? Should I take the CLK 500 instead of the Lexus or Bimmer

RedStripe · 10-29-2005, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theclay

The IS350 costs as much as the BMW330. Make your dad buy you a 330. They cost the same so what's the big deal? Besides, your dad is rich, I mean he drives an Aston Martin.

That's irrelevant to the question posted, in my opinion.

RedStripe · 10-29-2005, 04:37 PM

You should test drive both yourself. That's the most important thing to do. I don't think anyone could blame you for choosing the IS350 over a 325i. People have been saying driving experience and such for the 325i, but to me, those are both relative things. In other words, it usually takes someone who's had a few years of experience driving automobiles and driving different types of automobiles to really understand and appreciate driving dynamics.

You might or might not be able to have a discerning opinion on the handling of the two cars, but I'm sure the straight line acceleration difference is obvious to anyone.

I just want to throw out two reasons for going with an e90:
1) If you think you'll have a lot of friends with you at times, or at least someone in the back seat, they will appreciate the roominess of the e90 more.
2) There's no IS350post.com

ON325i · 10-29-2005, 04:37 PM

If you want a car you enjoy driving, and also push to the limit, go with the bmw.

mind you, you cannot turn the traction control off in IS, heh

Thomas · 10-29-2005, 04:41 PM

Nice luxury problem you have there.. I think that a 325i is fast enough for a 16-year old (no offense)..
And if you like the style of the BMW, why don't take it? It drives better, it has a better interior quality, the sport seats are superb and it has the smooth sound of a straight-six..
The CLK 500 from your dad is nice to, but I think that's not as fun as a brand new car.. And the Benz is more for rich elderly women, sorry...

lux.sh · 10-29-2005, 04:47 PM

forget BMW. pay your dad monthly so you can drive the aston martin.

bmwbenz0101 · 10-29-2005, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas

Nice luxury problem you have there.. I think that a 325i is fast enough for a 16-year old (no offense)..
And if you like the style of the BMW, why don't take it? It drives better, it has a better interior quality, the sport seats are superb and it has the smooth sound of a straight-six..
The CLK 500 from your dad is nice to, but I think that's not as fun as a brand new car.. And the Benz is more for rich elderly women, sorry...

Exactly.....i want a 325i but I feel like i will regret not getting an IS350 because i'm not allowed to get stick anyways...and because the coupe 325ci will be out soon enough and will feel like i would have rather gotten that. Also the 325i back is hideous to me. THe IS350 has a nice back but the BMW is classic, I mean i've never seen such a gorgeous front and such nice lights, and mirrors. I just dunno, I feel like I will regret not getting the IS350 because of the 300hp, compared to the BMW 325i. Will the BMW really be that much more fun to drive that I should give up the bigger engine. My dad really wants to get me the IS350, the 330i would be the best choice but its the same price as the IS350 and doesn't offer much more than the 325i. Also, I drove the new GS and it was really nice to drive but the turning was crap compared to the E90 325i (NON SPORT) that i drove, which i fell in love with. Does the GS drive like the IS? I guess I better drive the IS350. Also safety is a really big issue. The BMW seems less reliable than the Lexus, but its bigger and has more space in front which means its probably a little bit better in impact.

bmwbenz0101 · 10-29-2005, 04:54 PM

YE right like my dad would ever let me take out the Aston that hes getting. He's obsessed. He calls the dealership almost everyday to see when he can actually see a real production model. He hasn't gotten the Aston yet but has a deposit on it. He'll be one of the first to get it in the US.

theclay · 10-29-2005, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedStripe

That's irrelevant to the question posted, in my opinion.

Ok, the part about dad being rich was irrelevant, you got me there.

However, I was serious about getting the BMW330i. If an IS350 is being considered, why not also consider the 330? The cost is the same.

kans · 10-29-2005, 05:09 PM

why not drive your dads clk500 for a year and then get the new 325ci

David328M-Sport · 10-29-2005, 05:13 PM

bmw 325 almost (fully - i believe you may have missed the key word) loaded is a thing of extreme beauty. as i am a bmw fanatic, you can guess where my loyalties lie.

you are very young and you have come to the right place for advice on all things e90. virtually all of us would like to see you in the 325.

it is an amazing car and its not until you have driven it and become accustomed to it over time that youan fully appreciate all it has to offer. it will make a superb birthday present for someone as fortunate as yourself but you need to make that decision youself, as seemingly hard as it is.

all the best in your future car driving and PLEASEdrive whatever you get carefully as the 325 is very powerful. take it easy especially on public roads with many other cars all around you.

RedStripe · 10-29-2005, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theclay

Ok, the part about dad being rich was irrelevant, you got me there.

However, I was serious about getting the BMW330i. If an IS350 is being considered, why not also consider the 330? The cost is the same.

True, that's one thing that wasn't explained too well. It seems the father likes the IS350, but doesn't like the 330i over the the 325i b/c they are "too similar". So the price points can't be the overriding factor here. The logic, to the father, must be something along the lines of: "Well, the new IS's are nice, but the IS250 is just not worth the money, so the only one I'd be comfortable getting is the IS350. And the BMW e90's are nice, too, but since the 330i and 325i are relatively closer, I don't think it makes much sense to get my son the 330i."

To the OP, I'm glad you were able to appreciate the driving capability of the 325i non-sport you test drove. But you might currently not be sensitive enough to really feel a dramatic difference between the new IS's and the e90's. You're going to have to see for yourself.

Also, you've mentioned interiors and safety a few times now. The IS has that new type of split front air bag, and also knee air bags. Maybe that's something to consider for you. The e90 interior is ultimately much more customizable than the IS. The e90, you pick the color and the trim, period. On the IS, your interior combinations are limited to your exterior color choice, and even then, there's only 3 colors (a beige, a gray, and a black). And the trim is wood unless you get the sport package, which it is then a metallic looking plastic.

ssam · 10-29-2005, 05:19 PM

when I was 16 I bought my first.........bike

now I m 32 and I ve bought my first bimmer

Good for you if your father wants to give you an as nice gift

but I still believe that you should desserve thing by working for it....

You might soon get bored by something you didn t work hard to get

Well that s my humble opinion....I know it has nothing to do with the question asked

RedStripe · 10-29-2005, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kans

why not drive your dads clk500 for a year and then get the new 325ci

That's a fantastic suggestion. You should bill him for that advice.

ben1364 · 10-29-2005, 05:44 PM

You are trying to compare two very different cars. The only relevant comparison is the price point. Be thankful that your parents will buy you a car and select the one that matches your driving style. You are very fortunate!

JonnyCrash · 10-29-2005, 06:27 PM

If I were in your position, which for better or worse I am not, I would get the car that makes you dream about it at night. Forget performance, forget bang for the buck, forget what might be out soon... just go to sleep tonight and see which one takes over your dreams.

As for the coupe coming out in the spring, it certainly is. But if I were your dad, I wouldn't buy it for you... you have no idea how much more insurance would be on a 2-door car for a 16-year old new driver

Anyway, sleep on it and the answer will become clear. They're both good cars, they're both very safe cars, and you'll enjoy driving both of them. The real problem will be in a few years when you become a really good driver, and then you'll have to worry about all the different driving dynamics, etc. For a learner car, either will do... as long as you remember exactly how lucky you are!

10-29-2005, 01:33 PM	#1
bmwbenz0101 Private First Class 26 Rep 199 Posts Drives: 328i coupe Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	Cannot decide 325i or IS350. Ok so my family is into cars a lot. My mother has a range rover and my father is getting an Aston V8 Vantage and we also have a benz so don't flame about me getting a nice car...I want an honest opinion. Heres the situation...I'm getting my first car for my birthday and right now my father has basically let me know that I will either be getting a 325i BMW almost loaded or an IS350 loaded. The reason I am not getting the 330i is because its a lot more expensive than the 325i but does not offer much more but the IS350 is way ahead of the IS250. I care about the driving experience a lot , but I'm only going to be 16 so looks and safety matter A LOT.I really want the BMW 325i coupe but its not an option because I need a car and it won't be out by Spring next year, so I know if I get the BMW 325i i will regret it because the coupe will be so hot. The IS350 looks better in my opinion but the BMW brand name, and the interior is just so much sportier. When I think of Lexus i think of old rich people lol. But BMW is youthful and when someone says BMW its a lot more prestigious than Lexus. Also how will an IS350 drive compared to a 325i. I know the 330i outperforms the IS350 but does the 325i? Basically if you were 16 and had a choice what would you chose a 325i or an IS350. Tell me what you think, and please no flaming about spoiledness because I'm just trying to get some help and not be yelled at here..cuz this forum is awsome and I like reading here even though I never post..lol.. Thanks for your replies in advanced.
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10-29-2005, 01:50 PM	#2
CPTHALL Second Lieutenant 50 Rep 216 Posts Drives: None Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	I was also in the same boat. I have a MB C320 and a 2002 325CI. I wanted another four door car since wifey is 6 months pregnant. I LOVE BMWs but just wanted to see if it was truly the best deal for me . I test drove a IS350 before placing my 330i order. Loved the IS350 Nav, power stering adjustment, and speed but that was it. The car was very bland and beside stoplight racing nothing else was there for me. I felt very disconnected. Also, the car was VERY plasticy inside. For the money, and I research evrything for months, The BMW is truly the best deal. __________________ 2013 535XI M-sport 2012 Cherokee Overland 2010 BMW S1000rr
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10-29-2005, 01:53 PM	#3
BMW Enthusiast Private 1 Rep 76 Posts Drives: 99 Maxima Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	If I were 16 I would buy the 325i. But that is because I like to drive instead of be driven. I think the Lexus is nice but in the end the BMW is more of a drivers car. The IS350 has over 300hp so it will be difinately be faster in a straight line, but the BMW loves to eat up corners and is still a fairly quick vehicle. You need to drive both to decide, but if your concerned with prestige then by the BMW.
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10-29-2005, 02:01 PM	#4
CPTHALL Second Lieutenant 50 Rep 216 Posts Drives: None Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	I drove both and the lexus just did not thrill me. For 42000 it felt cheap except for the Nav. __________________ 2013 535XI M-sport 2012 Cherokee Overland 2010 BMW S1000rr
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10-29-2005, 02:03 PM	#5
Oz Lieutenant Colonel 33 Rep 1,770 Posts Drives: 2006 330i, 2004 X5 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Wayne, NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I would say go with BMW because It would suit your age better But if you are going to get a loaded 325, why not think about a stock 330i then add upon few things like sports or nav? __________________ 2006 330i Steptronic/Alpine White/Black Leather/Burl Walnut Trim/Premium Package/iDrive/Heated Seats/Winter: STYLE 159 Blizzak LM-22 RFT/Summer: TBD 2004 X5 Steptronic/Alpine White/Grey Leather/Poplar Trim/Premium Package/Heated Seats/iPod Adapter
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10-29-2005, 02:09 PM	#6
theclay Lieutenant 20 Rep 510 Posts Drives: '06 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Los Angeles, Ca. iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	The IS350 costs as much as the BMW330. Make your dad buy you a 330. They cost the same so what's the big deal? Besides, your dad is rich, I mean he drives an Aston Martin. __________________ Jet Black, Black Leather, Aluminum Trim, Sport, Premium, Steptronic, 35% tint
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10-29-2005, 04:27 PM	#7
bmwbenz0101 Private First Class 26 Rep 199 Posts Drives: 328i coupe Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	Just because I can afford these cars does not mean money is not an issue. Thanks for the replies. By what all of you are saying it seems as though the BMW is the better choice. Thats what I want but ever once in a while, i just look at the lexus and I'm like damn that is sexy. So i dunno...I like the interior of the BMW so much better, but the exterior of the Lexus is sleeker. I feel like I should take the Lexus though because its much faster than the 325i, but is the 325i that much of a better handling car. I want a car that I will enjoy driving. I also have the option of my fathers 2 yo clk500 which is s beautiful car, but I would rather something more youthful. Plus I really want my own car instead of my fathers. What do you think? Should I take the CLK 500 instead of the Lexus or Bimmer
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10-29-2005, 04:37 PM	#9
RedStripe Captain 96 Rep 649 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 325i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Texas iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 BMW 325i [0.00]	You should test drive both yourself. That's the most important thing to do. I don't think anyone could blame you for choosing the IS350 over a 325i. People have been saying driving experience and such for the 325i, but to me, those are both relative things. In other words, it usually takes someone who's had a few years of experience driving automobiles and driving different types of automobiles to really understand and appreciate driving dynamics. You might or might not be able to have a discerning opinion on the handling of the two cars, but I'm sure the straight line acceleration difference is obvious to anyone. I just want to throw out two reasons for going with an e90: 1) If you think you'll have a lot of friends with you at times, or at least someone in the back seat, they will appreciate the roominess of the e90 more. 2) There's no IS350post.com
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10-29-2005, 04:37 PM	#10
ON325i Captain 18 Rep 740 Posts Drives: e90 325i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 e90 325i [0.00]	If you want a car you enjoy driving, and also push to the limit, go with the bmw. mind you, you cannot turn the traction control off in IS, heh __________________ e90 325i Jet Black / Sports Pkg / Auto
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10-29-2005, 04:41 PM	#11
Thomas Second Lieutenant 67 Rep 281 Posts Drives: G21 330e Touring Join Date: May 2005 Location: Haarlem iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 BMW 330e Touring [0.00]	Nice luxury problem you have there.. I think that a 325i is fast enough for a 16-year old (no offense).. And if you like the style of the BMW, why don't take it? It drives better, it has a better interior quality, the sport seats are superb and it has the smooth sound of a straight-six.. The CLK 500 from your dad is nice to, but I think that's not as fun as a brand new car.. And the Benz is more for rich elderly women, sorry...
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10-29-2005, 04:47 PM	#12
lux.sh missing two turbos. 577 Rep 4,859 Posts Drives: fast around corners. Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Curves iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 BMW E90 330i [0.00]	forget BMW. pay your dad monthly so you can drive the aston martin. __________________ 06 AW E90 330i ZPP/ZSP/Step/Expired Warranty : Prior Design Front : ACS Rear : ACS Roof : BlackLines : Simota Intake : Carbon Fiber Interior Trim : : MTEC V3 : 24% Charcoal : V1 Hardwired : Solaris Invisibulbs/LED interior :
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10-29-2005, 04:54 PM	#14
bmwbenz0101 Private First Class 26 Rep 199 Posts Drives: 328i coupe Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	YE right like my dad would ever let me take out the Aston that hes getting. He's obsessed. He calls the dealership almost everyday to see when he can actually see a real production model. He hasn't gotten the Aston yet but has a deposit on it. He'll be one of the first to get it in the US.
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10-29-2005, 05:09 PM	#16
kans New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 2001 X5 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	why not drive your dads clk500 for a year and then get the new 325ci
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10-29-2005, 05:13 PM	#17
David328M-Sport Brigadier General 101 Rep 3,566 Posts Drives: F30 M-Sport 328i Estoril Blue Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Melbourne Australia iTrader: (0)	bmw 325 almost (fully - i believe you may have missed the key word) loaded is a thing of extreme beauty. as i am a bmw fanatic, you can guess where my loyalties lie. you are very young and you have come to the right place for advice on all things e90. virtually all of us would like to see you in the 325. it is an amazing car and its not until you have driven it and become accustomed to it over time that youan fully appreciate all it has to offer. it will make a superb birthday present for someone as fortunate as yourself but you need to make that decision youself, as seemingly hard as it is. all the best in your future car driving and PLEASEdrive whatever you get carefully as the 325 is very powerful. take it easy especially on public roads with many other cars all around you. __________________ 328i M-Sport, Estoril Blue, Carbon XP 35 Tint, front heated seats, black Dakota, Sports Suspension, Anthracite Headliner, HUD, Pro Nav, Sunroof, hk 600w, Bi-Xenon, 19" 403M wheels, Reversing Camera, DAB+, Xenon, BT Ext Connect, MST turbo intake pipe, MST Cold Air Intake, JB4 on Map 2 with Catless DP produces awesome performance in Sport.
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10-29-2005, 05:19 PM	#19
ssam Second Lieutenant 12 Rep 269 Posts Drives: carefully Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Montreal, Canada iTrader: (0)	when I was 16 I bought my first.........bike now I m 32 and I ve bought my first bimmer Good for you if your father wants to give you an as nice gift but I still believe that you should desserve thing by working for it.... You might soon get bored by something you didn t work hard to get Well that s my humble opinion....I know it has nothing to do with the question asked
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10-29-2005, 05:44 PM	#21
ben1364 Captain 14 Rep 940 Posts Drives: E90 330iA Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Georgetown, TX iTrader: (0)	You are trying to compare two very different cars. The only relevant comparison is the price point. Be thankful that your parents will buy you a car and select the one that matches your driving style. You are very fortunate!
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10-29-2005, 06:27 PM	#22
JonnyCrash Driver 163 Rep 447 Posts Drives: VW GTI, BMW X5 40i M-Sport Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ottawa iTrader: (0)	If I were in your position, which for better or worse I am not, I would get the car that makes you dream about it at night. Forget performance, forget bang for the buck, forget what might be out soon... just go to sleep tonight and see which one takes over your dreams. As for the coupe coming out in the spring, it certainly is. But if I were your dad, I wouldn't buy it for you... you have no idea how much more insurance would be on a 2-door car for a 16-year old new driver Anyway, sleep on it and the answer will become clear. They're both good cars, they're both very safe cars, and you'll enjoy driving both of them. The real problem will be in a few years when you become a really good driver, and then you'll have to worry about all the different driving dynamics, etc. For a learner car, either will do... as long as you remember exactly how lucky you are!
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